Toolbox

Personal tools

Thû

"...there is much else that may be told." — Glóin
This article or section is a stub. Please help Tolkien Gateway by expanding it.

Thû, the Necromancer and Lord of Werewolves, was a character that is featured in The Book of Lost Tales the early writings that would evolve into the Silmarillion. Thû would later evolve into the character of Sauron.

The earliest appearance of the figure of Thû, was as a fay in Gilfanon's Tale, called Tu or Tuvon. Tu's origins are not developed, other than that he was the greatest wizard/magician in the world, and taught lore and magic to the Dark Elves; those he ruled were the Hisildi. His dwelling was in deep caves near the waters that fed the Waters of Awakening.

His appearance is connected to the story of the Awakening of Men; he interprets the will of Ilúvatar, and warns Nuin that the time of Men had not yet come, as they must not wake before the Sun. Afterwards he assists and shepherds the first Men with Nuin. When the Sun rises, Tu has to hide in his caves as it weakens him. Although in this story he is not evil, Tolkien intended Tu to become the enemy of Men when some of them turn against his Elves.[1]

Thû, as Lord of the Werewolves, replaced an even earlier villain, Tevildo, the Lord of Cats.

In the Lay of Leithian Thû holds the Wizard's Isle and spots Beren and Felagund. After he interrogates them, he engages with Felagund into a battle of mind and songs, until Felagund's power fell, and they returned to their own original forms. Thû then places them in his dungeons sending a werewolf to devour one of them, hoping to learn their errand.[2] Later he sends werewlves, and Draugluin against Lúthien and Huan, and takes the form of the greatest werewolf to defeat him. However Huan bites him on his throats and is obliged to give them the keys to his tower. He then transforms into a vampire and flees.[3]

In subsequent stories, his name evolved to Gorthû, Sûr, and finally to Sauron.